A margarita is always a good idea. And in the summer, who doesn’t love to lay out with a cocktail and just day-drink with friends? Other than making sure you don’t dehydrate if you’re drinking out in the sun, there’s one other major risk you can be exposing yourself to if you’re handling any citrus fruits: phytophotodermatitis, also known as “lime disease.” The condition occurs when “sun-sensitizing ingredients called psoralens are on the skin prior to sun exposure,” cosmetic dermatologist Katie Rodan, M.D., explained to Shape. Psoralens can also be found in celery, cilantro, grapefruit, and lemons. So when the acid or oils from these fruits and veggies hit your skin and then come in contact with the sun, the result is NOT pretty.
Blistering, swelling, and redness may occur on any part of your body that has been exposed to the psoralen-rich fruit or vegetable. That means your lips, too! If you’re enjoying lime with your cerveza or throwing back some shots, you should make sure to thoroughly clean your face. And if a drink falls on you or a friend, make sure they give themselves a good clean, or they’ll be regretting it for the days to come. It is possible to have a full recovery from this unfortunate event, but try and do everything you can to avoid getting to that point. So next time you’re the good friend whipping up the cocktails, just make sure you clean your hands extra well.